The Somers varsity football team from Lincolndale, NY, will take on Rye, NY, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 6:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New York High School Football
Who: Rye vs Somers
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Rye vs. Somers
As the New York high school football season progresses, Rye and Somers are set to face each other in an exhilarating playoff game, pitting two undefeated teams against one another. Both teams enter this showdown with perfect 10-0 records, dominant league performances, and unyielding defenses, making this matchup one of the most anticipated games of the year.
Team Overview
Rye (Rye, NY)
- Overall Record: 10-0
- League Record: 6-0
- Home Record: 6-0
- Away Record: 4-0
- Win Percentage: 1.000
- Points Scored (PF): 319
- Points Allowed (PA): 111
Rye has been nothing short of impressive, remaining undefeated and showing a balanced approach on both offense and defense. With a strong league record, they have demonstrated their ability to handle pressure in both home and away games, boasting a defense that has allowed only 111 points across the season.
Somers (Somers, NY)
- Overall Record: 10-0
- League Record: 6-0
- Home Record: 7-0
- Away Record: 3-0
- Win Percentage: 1.000
- Points Scored (PF): 368
- Points Allowed (PA): 102
Somers has also remained undefeated this season and is known for its high-scoring offense and tight defense. Averaging 36.8 points per game, they’ve been able to overpower opponents while keeping points allowed to a minimum. They’ve also shown consistency across all settings, with a strong record both at home and on the road.
Team Scoring Averages
| Quarter | Rye | Somers |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 10.4 | 7.3 |
| Q2 | 8.3 | 16.8 |
| Q3 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Q4 | 7.4 | 6.0 |
| Final | 31.9 | 36.8 |
Rye tends to start fast, putting up an average of 10.4 points in the first quarter, which helps set the tone for the game. Somers, however, shines in the second quarter, where they average 16.8 points, often giving them a solid halftime advantage. This scoring pattern highlights the different approaches each team may bring to the field, with Rye looking to establish an early lead and Somers relying on mid-game dominance.
Key Stat Comparison
| Stat | Rye | Somers |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 203.7 | – |
| Passing Yards/Game | 204.4 | – |
| Total Yards/Game | 408.1 | – |
| Tackles/Game | 40.2 | – |
| Sacks/Game | 1.3 | – |
| Points/Game | 31.2 | 36.8 |
Rye has a balanced offense, averaging over 200 yards in both rushing and passing, resulting in an impressive 408.1 total yards per game. They have a solid defense as well, with an average of 40.2 tackles per game and 1.3 sacks. Somers, though they do not report specific yardage, has a higher scoring average at 36.8 points per game, indicating a highly efficient and adaptable offense that finds ways to put points on the board regardless of the situation.
Key Players to Watch
Rye
- Chris Iuliano (#41): Rushing leader with 76.9 yards per game
- Carson Miller (#4): Leading quarterback with 202.1 passing yards per game
- Henry Shoemaker (#5): Top receiver with 63.6 yards per game
- Andrew Wilmarth (#45): Defensive anchor with 5.4 tackles per game
- Connor Brady (#52): Sack leader with 0.6 sacks per game
Somers
While specific player statistics aren’t available, Somers is known for its well-rounded team that excels in both offensive and defensive plays, with multiple players stepping up in different situations. Somers’ high-scoring offense and stifling defense suggest they have a deep roster with talent across the board, making them a versatile and challenging opponent.
Common Opponents
| Opponent | Rye Result | Somers Result |
|---|---|---|
| Clarkstown South | Won 21-0 | Won 34-0 |
| Yorktown | Won 34-21, 35-14 | Won 16-12 |
| Harrison | Won 24-0 | Won 40-3, 14-6 |
| Brewster | Won 34-14 | Won 38-7 |
Both teams faced off against five common opponents this season and emerged victorious each time. Notably, Rye shut out Clarkstown South with a 21-0 score, while Somers followed with a dominant 34-0 win over the same team. Somers’ high-scoring wins over Harrison and Brewster show their offensive firepower, while Rye’s consistent defensive performances, including a shutout win against Harrison, demonstrate their ability to limit opposing offenses.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Rye | Somers |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 10-0 | 10-0 |
| League | 6-0 | 6-0 |
| Non-League | 2-0 | 4-0 |
| Head-to-Head | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Common Opponent | 5-0 | 5-0 |
| Home | 6-0 | 7-0 |
| Away | 4-0 | 3-0 |
| Playoff | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| In-State | 10-0 | 10-0 |
| Out-of-State | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Both teams are flawless this season with matching records. Each is undefeated in league play and has a perfect 10-0 overall, demonstrating resilience both at home and away. They share similar paths to the playoffs, having dominated their league competition and shown little vulnerability against common opponents.
Prediction and Keys to Victory
Rye will aim to capitalize on their well-balanced offensive approach, with Carson Miller leading the passing game and Chris Iuliano spearheading the ground attack. To take down Somers, Rye must establish an early lead and rely on their defensive unit to contain Somers’ high-powered offense.
Somers, however, has proven throughout the season that they can score in bunches, especially in the second quarter. If they manage to unleash their scoring ability in the middle of the game, Rye may have a tough time catching up. Somers will look to build on their consistency and endurance across all four quarters to outlast Rye’s defense.
Given both teams’ impressive, undefeated seasons, this playoff game is bound to be close. The winner may be determined by a few key plays, late-game stamina, and defensive stops. Fans should expect a thrilling and hard-fought game that showcases some of New York State’s top high school football talent.
